Lowe's opens first store in Brooklyn

Lowe's Companies, Inc. opened its first "truly urban" store in Brooklyn on Friday, the company said. The store is Lowe's second in the New York boroughs.

Lowe's currently operates 23 stores in New York state, employing 4,000 people.

"The Brooklyn store is merchandised specifically to meet the needs of urban customers and building superintendents. For example, we've taken out the riding lawn mowers and reduced space devoted to fencing and mailboxes, while making room for more of the products these people are looking for — storage solutions, plaster and gypsum boards, masonry items and more security and fire doors to name a few," said Rick Damron, Lowe's senior vice president of store operations.

The store includes an esplanade with trees, park benches and lighting. The exterior will feature two large murals depicting the theme, "Brooklyn: My Neighborhood, My Home," stated the company.

Images will be selected through a borough-wide competition with the winner receiving $10,000, and residents voting for their favorite mural concept.